Tax: the government launched Operation “irreversible” to … – The Express

“ Irreversible “, Finance Minister Michel Sapin has only this word in his mouth when he speaks to the press for the introduction in France of this withholding tax, already practiced in almost all developed countries.

“ Irreversible “, the reform of tax collection has all the more better be that no one knows what majority is in power on 1 January 2018, date which President François Hollande promised that the withholding tax would be “ full effect “.

The head of state made the withholding personal hobbyhorse, charge the tax administration, seen as reluctant to follow.

– Bercy reined in –

“ I want to debunk the idea that Bercy would be reluctant, unhappy, uncomfortable “, said there is little Michel Sapin.

And to ensure that if the Ministry of Finance seemed to drag their feet, it was only because he feared “ spoil a good idea “, by touching tax during a five year period beginning marked by substantial tax increases.

This page is turned, Mr Sapin and Secretary of State Christian Eckert Budget can therefore Wednesday detailing their intentions by the Cabinet, with a three-year plan.

Since September, the draft budget for 2016 should pave the way by promoting the monthly-payment and e-filing. No obligation, but in order to prepare the minds of the future system.

At the same time, the government wants to open a broad consultation, and plans for a White Paper next year environment.

– Businesses grumble –

Through dialogue Bercy hope defuse numerous reservations. If the French support the idea, according to the polls, the main union of tax officials (Solidaires Public Finance) battle against the project, the trade unions are concerned that the personal data in the hands of employers, and companies, which could be responsible for the collection, growl.

The Medef plague against a “ bad idea ” in the short term and the CGPME against a “ significant cost ” for businesses. Which however well the CSG levy and VAT, does one slip at Bercy.

On confidentiality, in the corridors of the Ministry, one imagines for employees who want a sampling rate “ lambda “, which gives no information at their employer, for example on their family property or income of their spouse, but is adjusted retrospectively with the taxman.

Another outstanding issue: that of the transitional year 2017.

If the withholding begins on 1 January 2018, then 2017 will be a year “ white “, income received in that year is not taxed. Since 2017, under the old system, the taxpayer will pay the following taxes on 2016 income and the year, it will be taxed in real time on its income from 2018.

– A “ gift ‘fiscal 2017′ –

If Mr Sapin said he was ready to do” gift “on wage income during this transition year, no question of condoning capital income or exceptional compensation. Or risk seeing surging capital gains and non-taxable premiums skyrocket in 2017 …

The equation is even more delicate for Bercy it must be constant sum.

The ministers, the president, say and repeat the, the change of mode of perception must change or principles governing tax (quotient familial, niches of all kinds …) nor especially raising taxes when Mr. Holland leaves dangled the contrary “ more redistribution ” If there were to be “ more growth “.

This requirement excludes merger of income tax with the CSG, which left for economists to be the logical continuation of withholding. Except according to Mr. Sapin, such a merger would “ 50% winners, losers of 50% “. And rekindle a debate on the “ Tax ras-le-bol ” at the worst time for the majority, that of the presidential campaign.